System and method for armoring vehicles using a hull having a blast vent

ABSTRACT

A modular, wheeled vehicle suitable for military use, includes a driver module having a width for seating one person and having length for seating a second (and optional third) person therebehind, and an engine module disposed behind the driver module containing an engine for powering the modular vehicle. The engine module has a rear surface adapted to receive a storage module. The driver module and the engine module form a central element having a pair of sides, a bottom, and a top. The central element is adapted to receive the modules on both of the central element sides. The central element has air inlet for personnel and for the engine disposed atop the central element. The bottom of the central element and troop side pods generally are V-shaped with slanted, upward extending sides.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/461,861filed on May 2, 2012, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.12/344,630 filed on Dec. 29, 2008, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,205,703 on Jun. 26, 2012, the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to motorized vehicles suitable formilitary use and more particularly to a modular military vehicle thatcan be adapted for non-military uses.

A multi-purpose vehicle, suitable for military, homeland security,disaster/emergency response, and other uses, should be versatile. Itshould be able to protect the operators and be highly deliverable to anysite, adaptable, maintainable, and agile. Also, it should be armored andoperable over rugged terrain and hostile environments, including, forexample, desert and frigid conditions. Such vehicle further should behighly maneuverable.

It is such a vehicle that the present disclosure is addressed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The disclosed modular vehicle is compartmentalized through modular,severable, frangible sub-systems or components with a view to isolatingeffects of ballistic shock/blast and other undesirable kinetic forces.

Modularity includes a central driver module and engine module, whichform a central chassis module or CCM. The driver module is capable ofcarrying, for example, 1 to 3 people, and can be common in designregardless of function and/or use. Pods, then, can be attached to thecentral module to provide different functions including, for example,troop carrier, ambulance, cargo, etc. Such design allows the army totransport pods and not fully dedicated (i.e., single use) vehicles.

The engine module bolts directly to the central driver module as acomplete unit. Pods are more readily transported to other field areas ofneed, so long as at the new site has the means to attach/detach suchpods to the CCM.

The CCM and side pods present three V-shaped hulls on their underside.Such a blast-deflecting design along with side pod frangibility andengine module open framework should significantly increase the ventingof the blast reducing the penetration and deformation of the area wherepeople are sitting. The smallest flat area facing the ground now can beless than about 10 inches (25.4 cm) in width.

Engine and gearbox together are separate and located to the rear of thedriver module. This design isolates heat, noise, fumes etc., from thedriver module and personnel therein significantly increasing the abilityof the occupants to perform their duty when they leave the vehicle.

The relatively common cross-sectional shape of all modules allows for adesign that is very simple to manufacture. The detachable rear bulkheadof the driver module and troop carrying pods allows for ease of fittinga spall liner, the shrapnel anti intrusion layer, inside the vehicle.Because of this removable bulkhead, the spall liner can be large in sizeimproving its ability to counter intrusion of shrapnel.

With the side pods removed, the narrow engine module design allows forease of maintenance of the engine, because of a closer proximity to theengine components by technicians working on the engine/gearbox section.It is intended that this engine module be manufactured with a tubularframe allowing significant blast venting between the two-crew sidemodules increasing survivability of the crew. Placing the engine/drivemodule in the center of the vehicle reduces the possibility of thesecomponents being damaged and disabling the vehicle with small arms fire.By simply creating small top and rear armored panels these driveelements become well protected. In summary, this engine/drive placementallows excellent blast venting and provides good small arms fireprotection.

The air inlet duct is located above the vehicle and is retractable incase the vehicle needs to be transported, for example, in a marinevessel (76″ or 1.93 m) height. Locating the cooling and engine air inlethigh allows for less contamination of air with dust, and when using thevehicle in hot environments this high inlet position allows the airtemperature to the cooling systems to be substantially lower than usingair adjacent to the road surface, etc.

The pods can be designed to swing out either in a parallel fashion or ina door fashion incorporating as well a frangible system or the pods canbe attached in such a way with a 4 bar linkage the pods can merely belocated to the CCM by means of the clip system later disclosed (See FIG.6A)—all methods can become detached by fracture of a frangible fasteningdevice.

4-wheel drive is achieved by passing the driveshaft under or beside theengine and personnel seated in the CCM to the differential housinglocated under the driver in the driver module. This may require theaddition of a two or three shaft oblique transfer module that allowsminimization of driveshaft angle. This oblique transfer module can beplaced at the interface between the driver and engine modules.

The basic design admits of carrying from 1 to 7 people. Additional crewcan be carried in additional pods at the rear of the CCM. Alternatively,the wheelbase can be lengthened, by about 30″ (106.2 cm) by extendingthe rear central module or the driver module. The pods similarly thencan be increased and an extra person can be included in each pod; thus,increasing the total vehicle capacity to 9 people instead of 7.Increasing the wheelbase by 30″ (106.2 cm) also allows an alternateambulance ‘low rise’ side pod to be fitted in between the wheels,allowing transportability in a 76″ (1.93 m) height. Similarly theconcept can be used as a 3-person carrier by reducing the CCM front to asingle person with single person pods; thus, allowing substantialcarrying capacity rear of the engine area.

Each person in the vehicle further can be fitted with a helmetprotective collar, such as is used in high speed automobile racing, tohelp reduce acceleration effects on the lower neck during an explosion.Similarly, the occupants can wear an extended rear ballistic panel (SAPIpanels—small arms protection inserts) to allow for increased protectionand also to act as helmet support (with straps) to avoid the possibleseparation of the top spinal cord in the event of extreme accelerationson the head relative to the body. This extension located behind thehelmet can serve three functions. The first function is to act as aballistic barrier for the area of the neck and upper torso. The secondfunction is to serve as helmet support should the soldier be exposed toforces, which may serve to separate the head from the spinal cord in avehicular accident or similar. Third, soldiers' helmets can oftenwithstand direct rounds on the helmet, but it is desirable for there tobe some means to reduce the energy the neck experiences, so that anyadditional support from the lower torso will help the soldier survivethe impact of this round on a helmet. It is thought that this SAPI panelwill be secured with Velcro® into position within the soldier'sballistic vest and with the soldiers' ballistic collar. It is thoughtthat a pivot at the top of this extended SAPI panel should beincorporated to allow the head to be turned easily and with comfort.

For commercial or civilian (non-military) uses of the disclosed modularvehicle, their use and fuel efficiency drives many vehicle designs.Reducing the vehicle weight and/or improving the aerodynamic drag of thevehicle improve fuel efficiency of the disclosed modular vehicle.

Having removable pods will allow the user to only use the pods that areneeded at that time. With the resultant weight reduction and narrowaerodynamic shape, fuel economy is improved. Typical US pickups areadaptable as multi-use vehicles carrying 4 to 5 people and cargo. Thedisclosed modular vehicle achieves such uses with a side-to-side splitof functionality. That is, the modular vehicle has a CCM capable ofcarrying 2 people and which is common in all configurations. The sidepods, which attach to this CCM, have different functions including, forexample, carrying people in people pod on a single side or both,carrying cargo in pods that are relatively low to the ground and tall inheight, sleeping pods, etc. If required, as with the military design,the commercial modular vehicle can include 4-wheel drive.

The central pod can be narrow and aerodynamic with aerodynamicsuspension attachment legs and wheel aerodynamic pods to reduce drag.The rear aerodynamic pods can be removed when adding any side pod, whichalso will incorporate an aerodynamic covered surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentmodular vehicle, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the modular military vehicle carrying apair of side, personnel pods and 3 cantilevered cargo pods;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the modular military vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a simplified schematic view of the modular military vehicleof FIG. 2 showing the blast energy dissipation paths resulting from thedesign of the bottoms of the modules;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the modular military vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an overhead view of the modular military vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an underside view of the modular military vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view like that in FIG. 1 with the side pods deployed;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of the frangible coupling system of the sidepods to the CCM;

FIG. 6B is an isometric of the shock absorbed element of the frangiblecoupling system depicted in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is an underside view of the pod-deployed vehicle in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of one of the tether assemblies seen inFIG. 7;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the tether assembly shown in FIG. 7B;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the modular military vehicle of FIG. 1 showingseated personnel, engine, and the like in phantom;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the modular military vehicle fitted withambulance side pods;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the modular ambulance vehicle of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the modular ambulance vehicle of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the modular ambulance vehicle of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a rear isometric view of the modular ambulance vehicle ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the modular military vehicle with only 1side pod, but with a rear personnel pod;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the modular military vehicle fitted withcargo side pods;

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the modular cargo vehicle of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the modular military vehicle withoutside pods, but fitted with top-mounted armament and a movable rearstorage module;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the modular military vehicle fitted withside armament that includes missiles, and a rear storage module forcarrying, for example, extra armament, missiles, or the like;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a side pod transport for conveyingelectrical generators and fuel drums;

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a side pod transport configured as astorage cabinet;

FIG. 22 is an isometric side view of the modular military vehicleadapted as a fuel tanker by configuring with side and rear fuel tanks;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a side pod configured to convey 3soldiers;

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the short wheelbase modular militaryvehicle with a pair of single soldier side pods, a single drive CCMmodule and a rear shelter;

FIG. 25 is the short wheelbase shelter modular military vehicle of FIG.24 with no soldier side pods;

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of another modular military vehicleembodiment having a one-person driver module, side pods for soldiers,and a rear cargo shelter;

FIG. 27 is an overhead view of another modular military vehicleembodiment designed only for troop transport;

FIG. 28 is a side isometric view of a standing soldier (medic from FIG.15) fitted with a SAPI (small arms protection inserts) panel affixed tohis helmet;

FIG. 29 is a rear view of the medic of FIG. 28 showing the back-carriedSAPI unit;

FIG. 30 is a side view of the medic seated, but still wearing theextended SAPI unit;

FIG. 31 is a rear view of the seated medic of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is an isometric view of a streamlined modular passenger vehiclewithout side pods;

FIG. 33 is an isometric view of a streamlined modular passenger vehiclewith side passenger pods;

FIG. 34 is an isometric view of a streamlined camping modular vehiclewith side pods;

FIG. 35 is an isometric view of a streamlined passenger modular vehiclewith cargo side pods;

FIG. 36 is an isometric view of a troop carrier embodiment of themodular military vehicle having an enlarged driver module suitable forup to, for example, 3 troops to occupy, troop side pods, and rear trooppod; and

FIG. 37 is an isometric view of a troop carrier embodiment of themodular military vehicle with enlarged driver module, troop side pods,and rear storage pod.

The drawings will be described in greater detail below. Like componentswill carry the same numerical identification in different drawings andembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed modular vehicle primarily is designed for military use.For such use, however, the modular vehicle needs to be readilytransported by air (e.g., cargo plane, helicopter, etc.) to remotehostile territory; withstand explosive blasts, bullets, and likeinsults; be easy to maintain and repair; readily convertible for cargouse, troop transport, wounded soldier (ambulance) transport; providecover and support for ground soldier advancement; and the like. Thedisclosed modular vehicle accomplishes each of these tasks and more, asthe skilled artisan will appreciate based on the present disclosure. Itsdesign flexibility further enables the disclosed modular vehicle to beadapted for passenger use, civilian ambulance use, civilian cargo use,and the like.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-5, a modular military vehicle, 10, isshown to include a central chassis module or CCM, 12 (see FIG. 18),composed to a driver module, 14, and an engine module, 16. Vehicle 10also includes two side pods, 18 and 20, and three rear pods, 22, 24, and26. Equally these three pods could be a single pod across the rear ofthe vehicle. In these figures, side pods 18 and 20 carry personnel,while rear pods 22, 24, and 26 carry cargo. Vehicle suspension,steering, wheels/tires, transmission, headlights, windows (glass orpolymer, often bullet-proof), and the like will be provided inconventional fashion adapted to the intended use of vehicle 10. Drivermodule 14 and side modules 18 and 20 all are fitted with doors, such asdoors, 28 and 30, on side pod 18, and a door, 32, on driver module 14,for ingress and egress of personnel. Driver module 14 is adapted forin-line front-to-back seating of two personnel with the driver enteringmodule 14 through door 32 and the rear personnel entering module 14 viaan overhead opening, 34 or through door 32 without the driver inposition and the driver seat having the capacity to tilt forward. Accessto cargo modules 22, 24, and 26 can be gained by side or rear doors,such as, for example, a side door, 36, for module 22. Desirably, drivermodule 14 has a rear bulkhead to allow for ease of building the internalelements of the module 14.

A retractable/extendable engine air inlet, 38, is seen in an extendedposition from the top of engine module 16 (two engine configurationforms shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 9). Air inlet 38 can be retracted orremoved. Its location atop modular vehicle 10 keeps it above much of thedust created by vehicle 10 and events occurring on the ground in thevicinity of vehicle 10. An exhaust port, 37, for the engine exhaust isdisposed rearward of air inlet 38 or air can exit down over the engineand exit via holes at the rear of the CCM rear engine module. In oneconfiguration, a grate, 39, allows air to exit the engine compartment.Not only will be air be cleaner atop vehicle 10, but it will be coolerthan air next to or underneath vehicle 10 particularly when in a hotenvironment. Such air inlet and exhaust ports also could be located inthe sides of engine module 16 close to the top and these same benefitsrealized. For present purposes, the air inlet and/or exhaust ports arelocated “about the top” of the engine module by being located in the topof the module or in a side of the module very close to the top thereof.

The bottoms of each module can be designed with upward slanting sides toaid in deflecting any blasts occurring from underneath modular militaryvehicle 10 to minimize damage. A blast energy dissipation pattern, 1,(see FIG. 2A) for driver module 14; a blast energy dissipation pattern,2, for side module 18; and a blast energy dissipation pattern, 3, forside module 20, show the blast energy being diverted around the sides ofthe modules to lessen damage to the components of vehicle 10. Suchpattern along with side modules 18 and 20 that can be controllably blownaway from CCM 12 will help in minimizing vehicle damage from blastsoccurring underneath virtually any area beneath vehicle 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, side pods 18 and 20 are seen inpartially deployed condition up and away from CCM 12 using hydraulicpistons and supporting strut assemblies, 40 and 42, which areconventional in design and operation. Deployment of side pods 18 and 20enjoys several advantages, including, inter alia, reducing the footprintsize subject to road explosions, adding increasing distance from groundblasts, isolating pods subject to damage from blasts and explosions, andproviding foot soldier protection between the side pods and CCM 12(potentially with platforms that deploy for the soldiers to stand onupon deployment of the side pods). The blast deflecting bottom designalso is seen to include a small horizontal flat or V bottom with angledflat sections that extend upwards. Such design presents a minimalfootprint to explosions. The slanted sections and space created betweenthe deployed side pods and CCM 12 deflect the brunt of the explosiveforce upwards away from the vehicle to minimize damage. The modulardesign permits any damaged pod to be readily replaced in the field andthe vehicle put back in operation.

It should be observed that the hydraulic system for deploying the sidepods or modules also could be adapted to move the side pods from anoperating position adjacent to the CCM to the ground for removing theside pods and from the ground to an operating position. Thus, thehydraulic system could be adapted for putting on and taking off the sidepods from the DMACS.

In the event of an explosion, the troop side pod coupling to the centralelement is “frangible”, permitting the side pod to be dislodged by theexplosion. It is thought that, to absorb some of the energy of the blastexplosion, it is possible that a damper can be placed between the sidepod and the CCM as part of the frangible system. The addition of thisdampening mechanism may allow the pod to still remain attached to theCCM without breaking the frangible coupling.

With reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7, side module 18 is illustratedaffixed to engine module 16 using an interlocking bracket assembly, 201,a cylinder assembly, 203, and a tether assembly, 43. Together, theseitems make up the frangible coupling of the central element to the sidemodule. Interlocking bracket assembly 201 is composed of a pair of “L”brackets, 213 and 215, which are retained in interlocked relationship bygravity. Additionally, attenuating assembly 203 (such as a cylinderassembly) is composed of a cylinder, 205, associated bracket, 207, ahandle, 213, and interfitting rod, 209, and associated bracket, 211.Hooking a side module to the CCM is quick and easy by dint of the designof the frangible coupling assembly. Handle 213 is rotatable to causepressure from cylinder 205 to be exerted on inserted rod 209. Thisensures that the side module will stay attached during travel, such as,for example, over rough roads. The force of a blast, however, will causerod 209 to withdraw from cylinder 205 and the tethers will limit thedistance of travel of the dislodged module.

The troop side pod also can be retained to the CCM by means of tetherassemblies (see also FIGS. 7A and 7B), 41 and 43, whose ends areretained on both the CCM and the side pod by brackets, 45 and 47. Thestraps, 49, most likely will be in the form of webbing having a degreeof elasticity and stitched together in a snaked or accordion pattern sothat when the pod moves away from the CCM the stitching is broken as thetether unfolds.

The frangible coupling assembly and tether, then, are able to furtherabsorb some of the explosion energy during an explosion, say, beneaththe vehicle. In particular, the cylinder assembly pulls apart with someforce as is typical for a cylinder and rod assembly, and by the etherstretching in much the same way that seat belts absorb energy during anaccident. Here, however, in order for the pods not to decelerate tooviolently at the end of the straps, most likely some elasticity will beincorporated into the straps. As shown in FIGS. 7, 7A, and 7B, at leastone pair of straps (for example, 3 pairs per side module) can used foreach side pod. This number is arbitrary and could be greater or lesserin number.

Personnel, 44 and 46, seated in driver module 14 are seen in FIG. 8.Also seen is an engine, 48, a radiator, 50, and a exhaust assembly, 52.Air for engine 48 and to cool radiator 50 is admitted through grate 38.Exhaust passed through exhaust assembly 52 passes to the atmospherethrough port 37. Fresh air for personnel 44 and 46 is admitted via airinlets 38 on each side of the CCM above the engine (FIG. 14 rectangularhole above engine module 16). As observed earlier, locating the airinlets and exhaust atop vehicle 10 will minimize dust entry into vehicle10. A presently preferred engine/radiator configuration, however, isillustrated in FIG. 14.

In FIGS. 9-13, litter pods, 52 and 54, have been attached to CCM 12 tocreate a modular ambulance. CCM 12 remains unchanged from the previousdrawings, except for an air intake, 38′, and exhaust, 37′. Litter pods52 and 54 may or may not be deployable. Litter pod 52 is fitted with adoor, 56, while litter pod 54 also is fitted with a door, 58 (see FIG.13). Medic personnel can enter litter pods 52 and 54 through doors 56and 58. Wounded soldiers can be placed in litter pods 52 and 54conveniently through rear access openings in litter pods 52 and 54, suchas is illustrated in FIG. 13. Doors, netting, or other restrictions willbe provided to keep the litters in litter pods 52 and 54. In FIG. 15, amedic, 60, is seen in medic pod 52 where he can attend to the needs ofwounded soldiers on litters, 68 and 70, or can be seated on a seat, 62.A storage bin, 64, is provided to house medicines, instruments, and likeitems.

Medic 60 is fitted a SAPI panel, 61, affixed to his helmet, 63.Personnel 44 and 46 seated in driver module 14 also could be fitted witha SAPI panel, as, indeed, could any personnel confined within militarymodule vehicle 10. FIGS. 28-31 illustrate medic 60 again, standing andsitting. SAPI panel 61 is seen affixed to helmet 63 in addition to medic60, regardless of whether in a seated or standing position. Suchextended panel 61 from the SAPI pack will be secured with, for example,Velcro® into position within the soldier's ballistic vest and with thesoldiers' ballistic collar. It is thought that a pivot at the top ofthis extended SAPI panel should be incorporated to allow the head to beturned easily and with comfort.

Since the narrow aspect of litter pods 52 and 54 permit medic to easilyonly treat the upper torso and head of the wounded soldier, module 24 isa personnel module for carrying an additional medic, 72, which can treatthe legs and lower torso of the wounded soldiers. In order to accomplishsuch treatment, an access, 74, is created in module 24 that mates with asimilar access, 76, in module 52. Similar accesses are provided formedic 72 to treat wounded soldiers in module 54.

CCM 12 is illustrated in FIG. 18. In this embodiment a portable missilelauncher, 96, is disposed atop driver module 14 and is desirablycontrolled by personnel 46, so that driver 44 can concentrate on drivingCCM 12. Module 24 is mounted on rails, such as a rail, 25, and anotherrail on the far side of CCM 12 that is not seen in FIG. 18. Movingmodule 24 rearwardly away from CCM 12 also permits repair/maintenanceaccess to the engine in engine module 16 and to the transmission andother drive train elements disposed therein. A cover conveniently at therear of CCM 12, for example, could be opened to provide such servicingaccess.

That CCM 12 can be operated as a stand-alone vehicle is an advantage ofthe design disclosed herein. For that reason, CCM 12 and all disclosedmodules can be manufactured from aluminum or composite material forweight reduction. Also, a layer “up armor” can be provided as aballistic layer from a variety of composite materials presently used toshield military vehicles. When the side modules/pods are attached, theyprovide additional shielding for CCM 12 and drive components from beingstruck by ballistic impact.

Virtually all surfaces of all modules are designed to be manufacturedfrom relatively flat, planar material (stressed skin), which contributesto reduced manufacturing costs. From the front, a narrow profile ispresented, thus reducing the area vulnerable to being struck by bullets,shrapnel, or the like. Aligning personnel in a single row permits suchnarrow front profile. Similarly having each occupant in a narrow podallows the effective use of side curtain and front air bags deployed inthe event of a blast or accident. Basically being able to encase theoccupants between inflated air bags and the seat should increase theirlikelihood of survival during a blast or accident. It is likely that tosave weight, since the crew side pods are not required to carry anyvehicle loads, their weight can be reduced allowing additional vehiclepayload capacity.

Engine 48 can be any internal combustion engine powered by gasoline,diesel fuel, or the like, optionally turbocharged or supercharged; orcan be a turbine engine; or any other power plant designed to propelvehicle 10. While the suspension is conventional for this type ofvehicle, independent suspension is advantageous. Sufficient roomunderneath the driver module permits a driveshaft to pass there beneathto provide 4-wheel or all-wheel drive for vehicle 10. It is possiblethat the vehicle also could incorporate an alternative drive system likeelectric or hydraulic.

FIG. 19 illustrates a mobile missile launcher version, 100, of thedeformable modular armored combat vehicle disclosed herein. Inparticular, a pair of side missile pods, 102 and 104, is affixed oneither side of a CCM, 106. Personnel located within CCM 106 can controlmissile launch and target, or the target can be fed into an onboardcomputer remotely, say, for example, from air or ground reconnaissance.A rear storage module, 108, can convey spare missiles, for example oradditional armament, such as, for example, an air-to-ground orair-to-air, or anti-tank, etc., missile. Armament, such as missiles, mayrequire elevation to clear the CCM during firing.

FIG. 20 shows an additional side pod, 110, for transforming the modularcombat vehicle into a mobile generator unit, conveying fuel drums, 112,114, and 116; along with generators, 118 and 120. One or two such mobilegenerator side pods enable power to be brought into remote field orother locations.

FIG. 21 shows another cargo side pod, 121. One or two of such side podscan be carried by the CCM. Again, the user can use almost anycombination of pods on the CCM for extreme flexibility and utility.

FIG. 22 illustrates a fuel tanker, 122, where fuel tanks are the sidepods. In particular, upper side pods, 124 and 126, have upper rearaccess for fuel. A pair of lower fuel pods, 128 and 130 (not seen), canbe in fuel connection with upper fuel pods 124 and 126, or separatelyaccessible.

FIG. 23 illustrates yet another troop side pod, 132, for conveying 3soldiers per side pod. Again, one or both side pods could be the 3-troopversions.

FIG. 24 illustrates a military vehicle, 140, configured with a shortwheelbase, so as to accommodate only a single soldier (driver) in a CCM,142. Side pods, 144 and 146, carry but a single soldier. Militaryvehicle 140, then, carries only 3 soldiers. At the rear, is a shelter,148, for transport into the field (e.g., combat zone). FIG. 25illustrates vehicle 140 without side pods. An engine module, 150, isrevealed in greater detail.

FIG. 26 illustrates a military vehicle having a driver module, 151,seating only the driver. A pair of side modules, 153 and 155, areattached to an engine module, 157. Shelter 148 is carried at the rear ofthe vehicle.

The design flexibility of the disclosed modular military vehicle isenveloped in FIG. 27. A troop transport only modular military vehicle,161, is illustrated. In order to increase the troop capacity, a drivermodule, 163, has been widened behind the driver in order to accommodateadditional instruments, material, goods, etc. Side troop modules, 165and 167, accommodate another 2 soldiers each and are carried by anengine module, 169. Finally, a rear troop module, 171, accommodatesanother 6 soldiers. The total troop capacity of module military vehicle161 is 11 troops. Additionally with widening the driver module slightlyan additional 2 crew can be seated behind the driver as is representedin FIG. 30. This, then, would take the crew carrying capacity of thisconfiguration to 13.

FIG. 36 expands upon the embodiment in FIG. 27 for a modular militaryvehicle, 300, which has an expanded driver module, 302, which has beenwidened for accommodating a driver in the forward position and 2soldiers seated side-by-side behind the driver for a total of 3 troopsin driver module 302. Side modules or side pods, 304 and 306, are trooppods adapted for 2 soldiers to be seated in each module. A rear module,308, also can seat 3 soldiers. A spare tire, 310, is shown affixed tothe side of rear module 308. FIG. 37 depicts the same basic vehicle 300,except that rear troop module 308 has been replaced with a cargo orarmament module, 312. In both embodiment of vehicle 300, an overheadhatch, is located in the roof of driver module 302 for permitting asoldier to rise up for providing cover fire using rifle or otherarmament.

Commercial or civilian (non-military) versions of the modular vehicleare illustrated in FIGS. 32-35. In particular, a civilian modularvehicle, 200, is seen to be streamlined in design, but again using thein-line seating design to present a narrow head-on profile for vehicle200. The rear module contains the engine, with a possible storagedisposed behind the engine.

In FIG. 33, side modules, 202 and 204, are hung onto the sides ofvehicle 200. Entry for passengers in pods can be gained though doors,206 and 208, placed in side module 208. Similar doors can be providedfor side module 202 and for the driver. A camping version, 210, isillustrated in FIG. 34, where camp stretcher modules 212 and 214 (fittedwith skylights), are hung onto the sides of vehicle 200. In thisembodiment, the sides of vehicle 200 will be open to side modules 212and 214 in order to provide such treatment.

A “pickup” version of the disclosed modular vehicle is illustrated inFIG. 35 where a side storage module, 216, is carried on one side ofvehicle 200 and entry/exit doors are provided on the side opposite foringress and egress of people into vehicle 200. Again, depending upon thedesign goals, a rear storage module can be carried at the rear ofvehicle 200.

While the apparatus has been described with reference to variousembodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that variouschanges may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elementsthereof without departing from the scope and essence of the disclosure.Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particularsituation or material to the teachings of the disclosure withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the disclosure may not be limited to the particular embodimentsdisclosed, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims. In this application the USmeasurement system is used, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Also,all citations referred to herein are expressly incorporated herein byreference.

1-57. (canceled)
 58. An armored vehicle hull, comprising: a first crewhull portion having at least one first personnel transport supportstructure therein; a second crew hull portion having at least one secondpersonnel transport support structure therein; and a blast vent betweensaid first and second crew hull portions; wherein said hull isconfigured to engage with an armored land vehicle.
 59. The hull of claim78, wherein: said first crew hull portion of said hull has a crosssection when viewed from said first direction; and said second crew hullportion of said hull has a cross section when viewed from said firstdirection; and said first and second crew hull portions are spaced fromeach other in said second direction, approximately orthogonal to saidfirst direction, to define at least one said blast vent.
 60. (canceled)61. The hull of claim 59, wherein said first crew hull portion includesa generally planar side, said second crew hull portion includes agenerally planar side, and said generally planar side of said first crewhull portion faces said generally planar side of said second crew hullportion.
 62. (canceled)
 63. The hull of claim 78, wherein said blastvent has a first location and a second location, said first and secondlocations spaced in a third direction approximately orthogonal to saidfirst and second directions, a first blast vent cross section at saidfirst location being smaller than a second blast vent cross section atsaid second location.
 64. An armored vehicle, comprising: a hull,including: a first crew hull portion having at least one first personneltransport support structure therein; a second crew hull portion havingat least one second personnel transport support structure therein; and ablast vent between said first and second crew hull portions; whereinsaid armored vehicle is an armored land vehicle.
 65. The armored vehicleof claim 81, wherein: said first crew hull portion of said hull has across section when viewed from said first direction; and said secondcrew hull portion of said hull has a cross section when viewed from saidfirst direction; and said first and second crew hull portions are spacedfrom each other in said second direction, approximately orthogonal tosaid first direction, to define at least one said blast vent. 66.(canceled)
 67. The armored vehicle of claim 65, wherein said first crewhull portion includes a generally planar side, said second crew hullportion includes a generally planar side, and said generally planar sideof said first crew hull portion faces said generally planar side of saidsecond crew hull portion.
 68. The armored vehicle of claim 67, whereinat least one of said generally planar side of said first crew hullportion and said generally planar side of said second crew hull portionis approximately orthogonal to said second direction.
 69. The armoredvehicle of claim 64, wherein said armored vehicle is a wheeled armoredvehicle.
 70. The armored vehicle of claim 64, wherein said armoredvehicle further includes an open framework located within said blastvent.
 71. The armored vehicle of claim 65, wherein said armored vehiclefurther includes at least one engine component located between saidfirst and second hull portions.
 72. A method of armoring a hull for anarmored vehicle, comprising: providing a first crew hull portion havingat least one first personnel transport support structure therein;providing a second crew hull portion having at least one secondpersonnel transport support structure therein; and providing a blastvent between said first and said second crew hull portions; wherein saidvehicle is an armored land vehicle.
 73. (canceled)
 74. The armoredvehicle hull of claim 58 wherein said hull further includes an openframework located within said blast vent.
 75. The armored vehicle hullof claim 58 wherein one or more of said first and second personneltransport support structures includes one or more of a seat, a litter,and a stretcher.
 76. The armored vehicle of claim 64 wherein one or moreof said first and second personnel transport support structures includesone or more of a seat, a litter, and a stretcher.
 77. The method ofclaim 72 further including locating an open framework within said blastvent.
 78. An armored vehicle hull having a first direction and a seconddirection; said first direction running from a front of the hull to arear of the hull, and said second direction running from a first side ofthe hull to a second side of the hull, comprising: a first crew hullportion having at least one first personnel transport support structuretherein; a second crew hull portion having at least one second personneltransport support structure therein; and a blast vent between said firstand second crew hull portions, extending in a direction approximatelyorthogonal to said first and second directions, and located between saidfront and said rear of the hull in said first direction, and betweensaid first side and said second side of the hull in said seconddirection; wherein said hull is configured to engage with an armoredland vehicle.
 79. The armored vehicle hull of claim 78 wherein said hullfurther includes an open framework located within said blast vent. 80.The armored vehicle hull of claim 78 wherein one or more of said firstand second personnel transport support structures includes one or moreof a seat, a litter, and a stretcher.
 81. An armored vehicle,comprising: a hull having a first direction and a second direction; saidfirst direction running from a front of the hull to a rear of the hull,and said second direction running from a first side of the hull to asecond side of the hull, including: a first crew hull portion having atleast one first personnel transport support structure therein; a secondcrew hull portion having at least one second personnel transport supportstructure therein; and a blast vent between said first and second crewhull portions, extending in a direction approximately orthogonal to saidfirst and second directions, and being located between said front andsaid rear of the hull in a first direction, and between said first sideand said second side of the hull in said second direction; wherein saidarmored vehicle is an armored land vehicle.
 82. The armored vehicle ofclaim 81 wherein said hull further includes an open framework locatedwithin said blast vent.
 83. The armored vehicle of claim 81, whereinsaid blast vent has a first location and a second location, said firstand second locations spaced in a third direction approximatelyorthogonal to said first and second directions, a first blast vent crosssection at said first location being smaller than a second blast ventcross section at said second location.
 84. The armored vehicle of claim81 wherein one or more of said first and second personnel transportsupport structures includes one or more of a seat, a litter, and astretcher.